**Diary Entry – A Family Strained by Secrets**
Emily and James were finishing their dinner when the front door flew open. His mother, Margaret, stormed in, her face flushed.
“Son! You’re about to learn something *very* interesting about your wife!” she declared, not even bothering to step fully inside.
“Mum, sit down. You look like you’re about to have a stroke,” James said, alarmed.
“I’ve got good reason!” Margaret shot back, turning sharply to Emily. “I ran into your coworker—Sophie—today. She told me everything!”
“Did she?” Emily replied evenly, watching her mother-in-law closely.
“That you got promoted *last year* and earn nearly *half again* what James does! He had no idea! You’ve been hiding it!” Margaret spat, bristling with indignation.
“And why should that matter? We’ve never asked you for money. We’re fine,” Emily said calmly.
“When I asked for help fixing the roof at the cottage in spring, you claimed you couldn’t afford it! Where’s all that money *really* going? Saving up for a divorce, are you?” Margaret accused, her voice rising.
Emily pushed back her chair and turned to James. “Could you fetch the red folder from the top drawer in the bedroom?”
Silently, he obeyed.
“What’s this?” he asked as he opened it. “Savings accounts?”
“Yes. For Oliver and Charlotte. I’ve been setting aside part of my salary every month—for their future. When I realised I was just a temporary guest in *your* family, I had to protect my children.”
“*Temporary*? What are you on about?” James cut in.
“You don’t remember the flat your parents bought you? The one they financed by selling their townhouse in Kensington? They put it *solely* in your name. *‘Just in case.’* You said *nothing* back then. Not a single word. I was pregnant. Did you think I wouldn’t notice? Did you think I’d forget?”
James exhaled sharply. Meanwhile, Margaret tried to interject—
“It was just a sensible precaution!”
“Against *who*? The mother of your grandchildren?” Emily’s voice wavered. “And now you wonder why I’m distant?”
“Where *is* the money, Emily?” Margaret pressed. “If you’re not sharing it with the family, it’s a secret fund. Are you planning to leave?”
“James, please see your mother out. We’re done here,” Emily said, her tone firm but quiet.
“Oh, I’m going!” Margaret snapped, though she hesitated at the door. “But mark my words—you’re the one tearing this family apart. Though, really… you were never equals from the start.”
The door clicked shut. James stood there, silent for a long while.
“You *really* thought I had one foot out the door?” he finally murmured.
“I didn’t know *what* to think. Because you never said a word. Silence *is* an answer, James.”
“I don’t want a divorce. I love you. And the kids.”
“Then prove it. Show me I’m not an outsider in my own home.”
“Alright. I’ll transfer the flat into Charlotte’s name. And I’ll start contributing to the children’s savings, too. Bit by bit, but regularly. Trust goes both ways.”
Emily gave a slow nod.
“And the word ‘divorce’ is banned in this house from now on,” James added.
“Agreed.”
For the first time in years, they didn’t feel like strangers under the same roof—just a family.
